ALL CATS ARE ON THE

AUTISM
SPECTRUM
KATHY HOOPMANN
Foreword by Haley Moss
Foreword
Me-wow! I was 13 years old when my mom brought
All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome home from an
autism conference. You’d expect teenagers to think
they’re too old for picture books when they so
desperately want to be seen as adults, but nope –
the adorable cats and simple yet positive words to
connect everything together made me, a lifelong
dog owner and lover, feel a deep connection with
cats and autism. I couldn’t describe the magic of
how cats perfectly explained everything I felt and
knew about myself. Kathy’s stunning depictions of
autism resonated deeply with me. I was already
confident and proud to be autistic, and that pride
was solidified in a picture book.
Smiles from the book’s feline friends were contagious
within my house; my mom and dad shared the
magic of cats on the autism spectrum with me.
I couldn’t stop thinking about the many ways
All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome made me smile
as an autistic teenager, and the book loyally sits
in my joy-filled autism library well into adulthood.
I unabashedly say this is one of my favorite books
of all time. In the twelve years I’ve had my copy of
All Cats, it has been a trusty sidekick and teaching
tool. Friends and strangers alike have all felt the
heartwarming effect of this book and a shared
connection to me whenever I introduced them to
it. It’s the book I used to tell my high school best
friend I was autistic. It’s the book I kept on my desk
at my law office to make colleagues, clients, and
visitors feel comfortable learning about autism. It’s
a book that reminds me that being different is not
a bad thing and, sometimes, people on the autism
Haley Moss, Esq., autistic attorney, author, artist and advocate
spectrum are both celebrated and misunderstood
just like our feline companions.
Cats on and off the page can change hearts and
minds. I never had a cat in my life outside of this
book until a little over a year ago, but now, I see
myself in her. I see my cat in me with our autistic
traits, and I can now say all cats are definitely on
the autism spectrum.
When Kathy mentioned that my all-time favorite
autism book was getting an update to be more
inclusive of people all across the spectrum (including
us girls!), I was thrilled. When I told my parents that
I was fortunate enough to have the honor of writing
a foreword to one of my favorite books in the
world, my mom freaked out, remembering this was
the book that caught her eye so many years back
and that continues to touch our hearts.
All Cats Are on the Autism Spectrum is like receiving
a hug from a lifelong friend you haven’t seen in a
while. You will always be close with an indescribable
bond. Knowing future generations of young people
on the spectrum and their families will get to enjoy
this book for years to come makes me think we will
have a more understanding, accepting generation
of cat lovers who become better friends to autistic
children and adults alike.
May this book fill your day with meows, laughs, play,
smiles – and some new friends and understanding
during your journey. Your mileage may vary, but
I am still delightfully sharing and spreading the
magic of All Cats Are on the Autism Spectrum –
and hope you do, too.
A Note from the Author

What’s in a name? A lot actually. difficult task to get things right, especially knowing
that word usage and correctness changes regularly.
In 2006, I wrote All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome
with the express purpose to demystify the diagnosis All Cats Are on the Autism Spectrum is written with
in a fun, easy-to-read format. In 2013, the the very best intentions to reflect the wishes of
diagnostic tool used by professionals in the United the autistic community in language and concepts.
States (the DSM-5) eliminated the term Asperger I know that my choices will not please everyone
Syndrome and placed it under the generic umbrella and that views on language will continue to evolve.
of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Asperger Syndrome However, words do matter, and sometimes we get
was now to be diagnosed as Autism Spectrum things wrong, and that’s ok if we are gracious about
Disorder (ASD) Level 1. Now that’s a mouthful! respecting the views of others and are prepared
to use their preferred language once we know
Since then, there has been much debate and
what it is.
confusion about the correct terminology to be
used. Is it Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or I pray that my readers will see past the finer details
Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) or just the Autism of disagreement and join with me in celebrating,
Spectrum (AS)? Should we say a person with and deepening our understanding of, the richness
autism or an autistic person or someone who is and diversity of the autistic community.
neurodiverse?
Apart from the change in the diagnostic terms
used, other changes were occurring in the autism
community. In 2006, it was generally accepted that
most of those diagnosed were boys. Now it is known
that many girls are on the spectrum. As All Cats
Have Asperger Syndrome was written with male
pronouns, this needed addressing.
Fifteen years ago it was considered empathetic to
say there is a little bit of Asperger’s in us all. Now
that statement is recognised as not only incorrect
but insulting to those on the spectrum as it belittles
the very real challenges they face daily.
So when it came time to update my book to current
terminology and sensitivities, I was faced with a very
The first signs of autism are usually
picked up very young.

1
 Those on the spectrum look at the world in their own unique way.

2
They like to be near those they love,
but might not want to be held,
3
 preferring squishy places to a hug.

4
Instead of coming to people for comfort,
they may prefer a toy or a pet.
5
 They can be extra adventurous,

6
and use up some of their nine lives all too quickly.

7
 Autistic people often have exceptionally good hearing, and
loud sounds and sudden movements may scare them.
8
Yet at times they don’t respond to their name
or requests as if they can’t hear at all.

9
 Their other senses can be
heightened too, such as touch

“I hate
bath days!”

10
“Are you wearing perfume?”

and smell.

11
 They are often fussy about what they eat,

12
and may want the same food presented
in the same way, day after day.

13
 “A morning nap
on my chair.”

Daily rituals comfort them,

14
and they get worried if their schedules
or surroundings are changed.

2.42 minutes l
n n er is ate
i !”
“D

15
 Yet they may find it hard to stay organised
and manage their own time.
16
 Autistic people aren’t all the same though,
and their strengths and challenges are like tangles
of colour, each a little different from the next.

17
 Their abilities and preferences are not fixed,

Good at Only eats Doesn’t like Hates Loves

maths white food to be touched change trains

18
 and can change from hour to hour, day to day,
depending on moods, foods, and even the weather.
19
 Their faces don’t always show
how they are feeling inside,

20
and people may think they have no emotions,
which is not true at all.
“This is my
happy face!”

21
 Crowds confuse them and they are not sure how to behave.

22
They can find body language difficult to read,

“Are you my friend?”

23
 and may upset others without knowing why,

24
which keeps them awake at night, wondering what they
did wrong and what they could have done differently.
25
 Others follow fads

26
that might
not interest
those on the
spectrum at all.

27
 If they do want to fit in,
they may pretend to be
something they are not,

28
which is exhausting, and can’t be kept up for long.

29
 When life gets too much for them,
they might have a meltdown,

30
which they don’t do on purpose, can’t control
and feel terrible about afterwards.
31
 They may become loners caught up in a world of their own,

32
where they can do their own
thing over and over again

33
 without being
disturbed.

34
“I love ailurophiles!”

Autistic people
may have a
very advanced
vocabulary,

35
 but then they get little words all mixed up

“I hope this tree

doesn’t bark!”

36
or misunderstand what people say.

“I haven’t let the

cat out of the bag!”

37
 When they are spoken to, they may refuse to make eye contact.

38
 “I like to sleep
in boxes, in
baskets, on beds,
in bowls…”

When they talk, they go on and on about the same topic

or ask the same questions over and over again
39
 and don’t pick up clues that those
around them are bored silly.

40
Although their families don’t always
understand the things they do,

41
 they love them all the same and
can become very protective.

42
In many ways, those on the spectrum
think more deeply than their peers.
43
 “Catnip tastes great
and it also repels
mosquitos!”

They may know fascinating facts

about their special interests,
44
or have amazing memories,

“We bought this

cactus 215 days ago.”

45
 or go to great “See! The moon is
lengths to test their bigger up here.”
latest theories,

46
and people marvel at their bright intelligent minds.

47
 Often they have a great sense of humour, but they
don’t always realise that what they are saying

“Look at the funny dude

with the big ears!”

48
is not appreciated the same way by everyone.

“What’s wrong
with my ears?!”

49
 “You look silly wearing that!”

And they are honest, which is great of course, although

they might be more honest than some prefer.
50
 “Milk? What milk?”

When they try to tell a lie, they are not very good at it.

51
 They treat
everyone equally,
regardless of age,
size or authority,

52
 and are not afraid to stand up for
what they believe to be right and fair.

53
 However, as they grow older, they may feel different from
everyone else, as if they belong on an alien planet,
54
like an outsider looking into a world
they never truly understand.

55
 Yet, with their unique perspective on life,

56
their eye for details that others often miss,

57
 and their passion for researching
something they love,

58
 many will reach the top of their chosen fields.

Movie star Professor

Inventor Plane spotter

59
 Sure, they may need
a little help following
fashionable trends,

60
but don’t forget that everyone is important in the tapestry of life.
61
 So those on the spectrum are just like everyone else.
They need love, encouragement and a purpose for life,
62
opportunities to try new things,

63
 and space to be themselves,

64
and then everyone can sit back and enjoy the
unique individuals they become.
65
Cat names and photograph credits

Cover image page 11 page 22

Ginger Cat © Seregraff Scottish Fold © Seregraff © Khamidulin Sergey

page 12 page 23
page 1
Chinchilla Persian British Shorthair
© Ilike
© cynoclub © Chendongshan

page 2 page 13 page 24

© Elena Mitusova © WildlifeWorld © GuponStudio

page 3 page 14 page 25

Siberian Cat © Lubava © dezy Siamese © Esin Deniz

page 4 page 15 page 26

© Koldunov Alexey © otsphoto © FotoYakov

page 5 page 16 page 27

© Liliya Kulianionak © Esin Deniz © Katho Menden

page 6 page 17 page 28

© Stephane Bidouze © De Jongh Photography Scottish Fold © Autobahn

page 7 page 18 page 29

© Andrey_Kuzmin © Felicia Williams © Africa Studio

page 30
page 8 page 19
Maine Coon © Cat’chy
© Irina Kozorog © Pi_Kei
Images

page 9 page 20 page 31

© Irina Kozorog Sphynx © Loginova Elena © ANASTASIIAKU

page 21
page 10 page 32
Exotic Calico Shorthair
© atiger © Fotokostic
© Daisy Heart
 Disclaimer: Cat names were identified by the photographers where available and all mistakes are unintentional.
All photographs courtesy of Shutterstock.co.uk

page 33 page 44 page 55

© Konstanttin © Photosite © Orhan Cam

page 45
page 34 page 56
Scottish Fold © Taras
© osobystist Sphynx © Oleg Mikhaylov
Demborynskyi

page 35 page 46 page 57

© Elizaveta Galitckaia © Andrey Khusnutdinov © yadamons

page 36 page 47 page 58

© Davaiphotography © Kseniia Kolesnikova © Tang Trung Kien

page 48 page 59
page 37 Abyssinian © Shchipkova Elena
Maine Coon © Liliya © StudioLondon
© Koldunov Alexey © GrooveZ
Kulianionak
Scottish Fold © Dmitrijs Mihejevs

page 38
page 49 page 60
Scottish Fold © Wirestock
Sphynx © Seregraff © Hannamariah
Images

page 39
page 50 page 61
Maine Coon © Kachalkina
© Irina Kozorog © Eric Isselee
Veronika

page 62
page 40 page 51
British Shorthair
© liveostockimages © SunRay BRI Cattery RU
© Chendongshan

page 41 page 52 page 63

© Volodymyr Plysiuk © Sergey Petrov © oleg kuzminov

page 42
page 53 page 64
White British Cat © SunRay
© vvvita © Chepko Danil Vitalevich
BRI Cattery RU

page 43 page 54 page 65

© Volodymyr Burdiak © Sonsedska Yuliia © Foonia
 First published as “All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome” in 2006
by Jessica Kingsley Publishers
This revised edition published in Great Britain in 2021
by Jessica Kingsley Publishers
An Hachette Company

Copyright © Kathy Hoopmann 2006, 2021

Foreword copyright © Haley Moss 2021

All photographs courtesy of Shutterstock.co.uk

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,

stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any
means without the prior written permission of the publisher, nor be
otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that
in which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed
on the subsequent purchaser.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British
Library and the Library of Congress

ISBN 978 1 78775 471 3

eISBN 978 1 78775 472 0

Printed and bound in China by Leo Paper Products

Jessica Kingsley Publishers’ policy is to use papers that are natural,

renewable and recyclable products and made from wood grown
in sustainable forests. The logging and manufacturing processes
are expected to conform to the environmental regulations of the
country of origin.

Jessica Kingsley Publishers

73 Collier Street
London N1 9BE, UK

www.jkp.com
in the same series
by the same author
Lisa and the Lacemaker –
The Graphic Novel
An Asperger Adventure
Kathy Hoopmann
Art and adaptation by Mike Medaglia
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eISBN 978 1 78450 280 5
All Dogs Have ADHD
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All Birds Have Anxiety
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Blue Bottle Mystery – Elemental Island
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eISBN 978 1 78450 204 1